Teachers’ Day 2022 : Some Interesting Facts

Every year on 5th September, Teachers’ Day is celebrated across the country to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a great scholar, philosopher, recipient of Bharat Ratna, First Vice- President, and second President of independent India, and above all, an evocative teacher. 

A teacher plays a vital role in every child’s life. On this day, the students pay tribute to their teachers by recognizing their considerate contributions to society and showing gratitude for all the valuable learnings they achieved from them. 

Below, we will be learning about some of the interesting facts about Teachers’ Day and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Let’s have a look: 

Also Read: Why is Radhakrishnan's Birthday Celebrated as Teacher's Day?

Teachers' Day History: Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

Born on 5 September 1888, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the second president of the country and the first vice-president of India. He is well known for his remarkable contributions as a philosopher, teacher, and scholar. 

He was awarded the title of Sir by the British Government while in 1954, the great educationist was also awarded the Bharat Ratna. In 1962, the Government of India announced September 5 as National Teachers’ Day to celebrate Dr. Radhakrishnan’s birthday. 

Since then, Teachers’ Day has been observed on this day to showcase his immense commitment to education and students. 

Interesting Facts You Should Know About Teachers’ Day -

FACT#1 -The very first interesting fact about Teachers’ Day is that it is celebrated across the world but on different dates. In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5th September while World Teachers' Day is celebrated on 5th October. 

Teacher’s Day Around the World: 

• India: 5th September

• Pakistan: 5th October

• China: 10th September

• Brazil: 15th October

• New Zealand: 29th October

• Malaysia: 16th May

• Sri Lanka: 6th October

• Germany: 5th October

FACT#2 - Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5 September in India to pay tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was also the second President of the country.

FACT#3 - The first time Teachers’ Day was celebrated was in 1962 when President Radhakrishnan assumed office as the President of India.

FACT#4 - The World International Teachers’ Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1994 to celebrate the commemoration of the signing of the 1966 International Labor Organization /United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendation concerning the status of teachers.

FACT#5 - Teachers’ Day began in 1931 at National Central University in China but the day got approval in 1932. Later in 1939, Confucius’ birthday ie. August 27 was proclaimed as Teachers’ Day but in 1951, the declaration was withdrawn and September 10 was declared as Teachers’ Day in 1985.

FACT#6 - Teachers’ Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries in the world. The celebration of Teacher’s Day in different countries of the world started during the 20th century.

FACT#7 - In the US, it is declared on the Tuesday of the first week of May and is celebrated throughout the week. 

FACT#8 - In Colombia, teachers are honored on May 15th to celebrate the appointment of San Juan Bautista de la Salle as the patron saint of teachers in 1950.

FACT#9 - In Thailand, National Teacher’s Day is celebrated every year on 16 January While the first Teachers’ Day was celebrated in 1957. 

FACT#10 - 28 February is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in Oman, Syria, Egypt, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, and many Islamic countries.

Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the occasion of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday who was a great teacher and made significant contributions in the field of education.

Below are a Few Interesting Facts about Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:

1. Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888 into a middle-class, Telugu family in Tiruttani town. He was a brilliant student who won various scholarships in his life and attended schools at Tirupati and then in Vellore.

2. He received his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Madras' Christian College. He is also known to be one of India's most popular philosophers of all time. 

3. After completing his degree, he became a professor of philosophy at Madras Presidency College and then Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore.

4. In 1926, he represented the University of Calcutta at the Congress of the universities of the British Empire.

5. He was appointed as Haskell Lecturer in Comparative Religion at the University of Chicago in 1930.

6. In the year 1948, Radhakrishnan was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board.

7. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country in 1954.

8. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize 27 times.

9. He was selected as the second president of India in 1962 and served the nation till the year 1967.

10. On 16 April 1975, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan died in Chennai.

Importance of Teachers’ Day

Do you know how this auspicious day originated? On Dr. Radhakrishnan's birthday, his students and friends requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. Dr. Radhakrishnan replied, “Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be a privilege if 5th September is observed as Teachers Day”.  

Teachers are the most influential personalities in the world who can make a difference in the lives of people. They are the pillars of society who enlighten young minds, carve the path of tomorrow, and mold students into future leaders. Teachers’ day is an event to celebrate the immense efforts of educators or teachers in a child’s life. 

Wrapping Up!!

Teachers’ Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful bond shared by teachers and students. So, on this Teachers’ Day, send your teachers a beautiful gift, write them a good thank you message, or organize a memorable celebration in their honor. 

It is the perfect time to appreciate your teachers for all things they have done for you.